The 2003 version of the University of Iowa football team suited up to meet the media Thursday in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes began practice Wednesday and coach Kirk Ferentz says the big job is finding out who fits where and the next two-and-a-half weeks will be important.Iowa is coming off one of its most successful seasons every that included a Big Ten title and trip to the Orange Bowl Ferentz says the start of the season. The most losses this year are on offense, including Heisman Trophy runner-up Brad Banks at quarterback. Ferentz isn’t worried about filling the spot, as he says Nathan Chandler is the established starter. He does have some concerns about Chandler’s backup, as they aren’t sure who the number two is at this point.Senior Fred Russell returns as the top tailback after a 12-hundred yard season last year, but his main backup, Jermelle Lewis is out after knee surgery in the spring. Ferentz isn’t looking to Russell to carry the younger players on the offense. There are two freshmen backing up Russell, and while they’re inexperienced, Ferentz says it’s positive for them, as they get a chance to step up and show what they can do. The defending conference champion is sometimes the target of everyone in the league, but Ferentz doesn’t see it this year. He says last year they probably got more talk about them, and he says this year people probably think they’re going to stink. Iowa opens the season August 30th at home against Miami of Ohio..
